James “Jim” Barrett Gilmore
February 3, 1964 - February 6, 2025
In Loving Memory of James “Jim” Barrett Gilmore
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Barrett Gilmore on February 6, 2025, at the age of 61. He was a man ready with a joke, a full heart of love, and unwavering dedication.
Jim was the beloved son of Dave and the late Marie Gilmore (2024), a devoted father to Jessica and Evan Gilmore, and a treasured brother to Scott Gilmore (Mary-Lou, 2023), and Catheryn Arnold (Steve). He was the fun-loving and proud uncle to Keegan and Brendan Arnold and Maddelyn Gilmore. Jim will be also deeply missed by his extended family, and countless friends.
Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Jim spent his early years in London, Ontario, before returning to the Niagara Region to pursue his education at Brock University. He remained in the area to raise his family, building a life filled with love, laughter, and steadfast commitment to those around him.
A man of remarkable work ethic and passion, Jim retired after a dedicated 34 years to Enbridge Gas (Niagara Region), where he built a highly successful career. Known for strong leadership, dependability, and generosity, Jim was always willing to lend a hand.
His colleagues affectionately nicknamed him “Bubbles”- a playful nod to his larger-than-life personality and always having his head in the clouds.
Beyond his career, Jim had a deep passion for hockey, lending his time to coach for many years with Port Colborne Minor Hockey Association, where he mentored and inspired young athletes. His love for the sports extended beyond the rink-he was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, never missing a chance to cheer them on, whether from the stands or the comfort of his couch.
Music was another cornerstone of Jim’s life. A self-taught musician, he mastered the guitar, harmonica, and keyboard. Bringing joy through his love of music, he was a true showman.
He had a rare ability to lift those around him, with his signature humour and his support and encouragement. He lived each day with purpose, passion and an unshakable belief in the power of kindness, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim often reminded those he loved of one simple truth, a sentiment that will forever echo in our hearts: “Who loves you…Jimmy”.
Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will be at a later date.
Those who wish to make a memorial donation are asked to consider Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApX5ZT6sJ069uohLWjw0zd4gVIO_3
or United Way of Niagara: https://www.unitedwayniagara.org/ .
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I had the pleasure of knowing Jim for over 50 yrs as a neighbour. Jim had our family and friends entertained and laughing all night at our 2023 Christmas Eve annual party, that ended at 3 am Christmas morning. Jim’s stories and jokes left a great impression on many people there. He has always been an easy going guy that loves a great party. He will be missed. Love the Everest family
Jim will be deeply missed! I was lucky to have met him several times through his baby sister and my best friend Cath. He was a great brother and Cath always knew how much he loved her and their family. He raised an outstanding daughter, Jess! I know Jim will be deeply missed.
My thoughts and prayers are you all. I got to meet Jim at Cath’s 50th birthday party. We chatted for hours, as if we knew each other for years. I’ll miss hearing about his funny emails to the family. He had such a way with words that could put a smile on anyone’s face. I’ll raise a glass of red in your honour. Rest in peace Jim!
My older sister, Stacey, just shared with me yesterday the news that Jim passed away. Stacey and I and so many others got to know Jim back in the early 80s at Camp Wa-Sa-Ah-Bun. The attached photo was from Camp, when a bunch of staff planned a winter trip there. For me the pic shows what I remember of the light-heartedness of Jim. His guitar & music passion, especially for Neil Young songs, was the serious side that I'll never forget about Jim. We worked at Camp together, then once it shut down, for a few years a bunch of us would hang out together in St. Catharines. In about 96 or 97 I moved out west to BC, and ended up in Salmon Arm. Despite the distance, in the spring of 99 I think, Jim and our friend Mark Sorensen flew out to Calgary, where I picked them up, and we three had an adventurous road trip together in the Interior. It's been a long time since I've seen Jim, but memories of him have and will live on forever. Very sad news of Jim's passing, all the best through this and beyond to his family and all the many people who were lucky enough to get to know Jim.
My condolences to Jimmy's family. It was a pleasure to have known him as a coworker.
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Cath and family, I was so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I was lucky to meet him at Cath's 50th birthday party. I had heard so many wonderful stories about Jim before and felt like I already knew him, even chatting to him on the phone during one of Cath and my walks., he made me laugh right away! Jim will always be in your hearts every day.
~ Sue Jilek